2012 Ford Escape – Rock Star Crossover – SUV – Car Buying Tips -

There are 5 models in the 2012 Ford Escape model  line-up.

• They are the XLS
•  XLT
•  Limited
•  Hybrid and
•  Hybrid Limited

The Effective and Fuel Efficient Power Plants That Run the 2012 Ford Escape

The XLS, XLT and Limited are powered by a 171 hp 2.5L in-line four cylinder engine mated to a 5-speed manual (XLS) and 6-speed auto (XLT,Limited) transmission, with a 240 hp 3.0L V6 as an option on XLT and Limited.

The 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid

The Hybrid and Hybrid Limited models have a 155 hp  2.5L in-line four cylinder Atkinson cycle and a 94 hp permanent magnet electric motor driving the wheels through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT).

The 2012 Ford Escape Delivers Big in Miles per Gallon

Fuel economy for the 2.5L four with manual comes out at 23 city/28 hwy/25 combined, with auto it’s 21 city/28 hwy/23 combined. The V6 delivers 19 city/25 hwy/21 combined, while the hybrid models are the most thrifty at 34 city/31 hwy/32 combined.

Buyers opting for Ford’s Intelligent 4-wheel drive option available on all models but the XLS, will lose 1-2 mpg on the non-hybrid models, and 3-4 mpg on the hybrids.

The 2012 Ford Escape Comfy Interior

The interior of the 2012 Ford Escape varies on the different models. The hybrid models get dual-zone  air conditioning, this is optional on Limited but not available on XLS and XLT. There’s a handy overhead console on all models but the XLS. The XLS has a urethane steering wheel, while the steering wheel on all other models is leather-trimmed.

There’s a nice chrome shifter knob and ambient lighting on Limited and Hybrid Limited, these are also available as options on the XLT. 

You will Love These Nice Touches in the 2012 Ford Escape

• A useful feature is the Electro-chromic auto-dimming rear view mirror, which,
•  Like SYNC cellphone connectivity system, is standard on all models, optional on the XLS.
• Sirius Satellite Radio is standard on all models except the XLS.
•  A premium sound system is optional on XLT and Limited.
• The driver gets a 6-way power seat as standard on all models except the XLS which has a manual 2-way seat.
• Leather-trimmed seats are standard in the Escape Limited and Hybrid Limited models, while the XLT has eco-friendly seats made from recycled materials and bio-based foam, with leather trim as an option.

Outside the car, the Escape’s exterior is distinguished by body-color door handles and mirror caps instead of black on the Limited and Hybrid Limited models, while an XLT buyer can specify gloss black mirror caps.

There’s a standard power moon-roof on the Hybrid Limited, this is an option on all other models but the XLS. The standard wheels on Escape XLS and XLT are 16″ 5-Spoke items, cast aluminum 16″ wheels are standard on the Hybrid model.

16″ 6-Spoke Bright Machined Aluminum Wheels are standard on Escape Limited and Hybrid Limited, while XLT and Limited buyers can opt for 17″ items.

Creature Comforts and the 2012 Ford Escape is  Realistically Priced

Helping driver and passengers get up into the cabin of this SUV are optional side step bars which integrate nicely into the body, these are available on all models bar the XLS.

All in all, the 2012 Ford Escape model line-up is well specified for the price, starting with the entry-level Escape XLS at $21,440, and topping the range is the Hybrid Limited at $33,080.

There are a lot of useful options too, so buyers are not going to be disappointed by this run-out model of the Escape which will be replaced in 2013 by a smaller European-based model.

 

 

 

 

Popularity: 1% [?]

2012 Ford Flex is a Smooth Operator – Car Buying Tips

2012   Ford Flex Review 

As soon as you take your seat in the new 2012 Ford Flex  and grab the steering wheel you say to yourself “this is different!… This is cool!”  You are pleasantly surprised at how driver’s seat hugs you body. The instrument panel is well laid out and easy to read. Welcome to the 2012 Ford Flex. A  7-seat full-size crossover SUV. First introduced in 2008 as a 2009 model, it runs There is a 6-speed automatic transmission with the standard V6, and a SelectShift 6-speed auto with paddle shift controls on the steering wheel that comes with the more powerful turbo V6, 262 hp 3.5L V6 as standard, with a 355hp turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost  as an option on the Limited and Titanium models.

The Interior Space is Deceiving From the Outside.

This car has the space of a minivan, the drive-ability of a station wagon. The front-end design is reminiscent of a recent product from the UK, the Range Rover. [or did the Range Rover borrow the front end flare from the Flex?] This author thinks the later. Among other things the 2012  Ford Flex certainly is a very classy luxury vehicle.

The Flex is loaded with high-tech features found in other vehicles of the current Ford range. While the Flex may look a little like a Range Rover, it’s not really designed as a purpose-built off-road vehicle. No, this is strictly an urban cruiser. You can get the Flex in all-wheel-drive  with the optional  EcoBoost V6. For the thrill seeker these safety features are a great addition when the road surface is less than perfect. Skylights Open the 2012 Ford Flex to Maximun Light The Flex is quite a long vehicle, which allows for no less than 4 skylights if the Vista Roof option is specified. The Vista Roof consists of a power moonroof over the driver and front passenger, 2 smaller skylights above the 2nd row of seats, and a larger skylight at the rear. Inside, it’s very roomy with loads of legroom thanks to the boxy shape and long passenger compartment. This also makes it a great load carrier if one or more rows of seats are folded down. On the road, the Flex handles well, with independent front and rear suspension. The AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control system’s gyroscopic sensors measure vehicle roll and turning rates and feed this data to the braking system and transmission to keep the Flex under control in emergency situations where a sudden swerve is required.

A Vehicle that Goes From Good to Great

It’s amazing what some smart electronics can do to make a good vehicle great.  And the Flex is certainly well equipped with some useful electronic devices. MyKey, Ford’s personalized electronic key system is standard on all Flex models, while SYNC, the interface which connects the driver’s mobile phone or iPod to the car’s entertainment system is standard on SEL, Limited and Titanium and optional on SE.

• For those who want to plug in household electronic devices such as laptop or phone chargers, there is a handy 110 volt AC outlet available as standard on Limited and Titanium, optional on SEL.
• A nifty optional feature is the PowerFold rear seat. The way this works the 3rd row seat  folds flat with the touch of a button. In addition you can even reverse the seat when the tailgate is open. Now that is a nifty design  feature that  can be used for recreational purposes when the Flex is parked.
• Ford has really put a lot of thought into the wide market niche the 2012 Ford Flex can appeal to.

Popularity: 1% [?]

2012 Ford F-150 King Ranch – The King of the Road

Sitting near the top end of Ford’s F-150 3-ton pickup range, the 2012 F-150 King Ranch, named after a huge King ranch in Texas, is aimed at ranchers, contractors, or just regular pickup drivers who want or need more than just a basic truck and are prepared to pay almost twice as much as the XL base model for a truck that comes with a load more standard features, better styling and a standard SuperCrew 4-door cab.

 

 

 

2012 Ford F-150 King Ranch Powertrain

Running an all-aluminum 5.0L V8 rated at 360hp or an optional 365 hp 3.5L turbo V6 EcoBoost engine for more horsepower and 420ft-lb of torque, the King Ranch actually weighs in at just over 2.8 tons but can carry between a half ton and a ton of payload depending on whether the buyer chooses the standard 5 1/2′ or the optional 6 1/2′ tray.

2012 Ford F-150 King Ranch Features and Options

There’s a long list of standard features that make this comfortable yet extremely useful vehicle much more than just a workhorse: Remote Start system, Dual-zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (DEATC) which allows individual control of heating/cooling for both driver and front passenger, cruise control, rear view camera, universal garage door opener, power-adjustable pedals, heated and cooled power front seats, 110-volt inverter, front and rear power points, 6-disc CD changer, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), trip computer, reverse sensing system, Chaparral leather-trimmed steering wheel and front bucket seats, 4.2î LCD Productivity Screen, Sirius Satellite Radio, SYNC in-car connectivity system, and the list goes on and on. This is a high-spec vehicle for the pickup enthusiast who just has to have (almost) everything.

But then there are the options: Ford Work Solutions Cable Lock system for securing the truck bed and its contents, tailgate step, box side steps, skid plates, stowable bed extender, power moonroof, navigation system, electronic locking rear differential, 36-gallon fuel tank, 20-inch wheels and more. To get the more high-spec features such as sat-nav and moonroof as standard you can always upgrade to the Platinum or Harley Davidson model, but many of the exterior options would not be useful to the average pickup owner so haven’t been included by Ford as standard as they are more applicable to contractors or off-road enthusiasts.

The only thing you can’t get in the King Ranch is the 6.2L V8 available on the more expensive models, but for King Ranch buyers this isn’t going to be an issue as that extra power comes with a price, and the 5.0L and EcoBoost engines provide more than adequate power for work or personal use. It’s really only off-road enthusiasts who are going to want to pay the extra up-front cost and higher fuel bill that comes with the bigger V8.

2012 Ford F-150 King Ranch – A Smart Choice

Popularity: 1% [?]

2012 Ford F-150 Platinum – Executive Luxury at Work

It is almost ninety years since the Ford Motor Company designed and built the world’s first pickup truck and the success of that innovative idea is still reflected today as the company’s F-150 range of full-size pickups is the top selling brand in the USA and Canada. The ultimate in modern technology, the Ford F-150 Platinum is the company’s model aimed at those who want to have a high performance, 4-wheel drive, working vehicle that comes with a classy appearance and plenty of modern conveniences.

 

 

 

2012 Ford F-150 Platinum Powertrains Deliver

This truck ships with a 5.0L V8 FFV engine as standard, giving an impressive average fuel consumption of 16 mpg. Buyers may opt for a 6.2L V8 engine, or Ford’s remarkable EcoBoost engine. The EcoBoost engine is a 3.5L V6 engine with twin turbochargers, but the technology behind it makes it perform at least as well as, and often better than, the V8 versions. It can run on 100% unleaded gas or on a mixture of gas and ethanol to reduce carbon emissions. The performance of the EcoBoost engine is good enough to pull the maximum permissible trailer weight of 11,300 pounds and to carry the maximum payload of 2,400 pounds.  It generates 420 pound-feet of torque and delivers a very hefty 365 horsepower, with peak torque being generated a full 2,000 revs below the peak torque level in the V8 engines.

2012 Ford F-150 Platinum Combines Great Design and Function

While the Platinum wants for nothing in terms of performance as a tough working vehicle, Ford has designed the interior of this pickup to appeal to the executive on the job and the outward appearance is guaranteed to get envious looks.  A solid easy to understand design highlights an interior that is upscale and clean. The Platinum also sports a unique grill and exterior look that is tough and masculine, but still refined and upsacale.

 

 

 

 

2012 Ford F-150 Platinum Offers Superior Techonolgies

The F-150 Platinum comes with a broad selection of devices to give the driver and passengers every convenience. This technology includes a proprietary, connectivity system that provides a range of voice-activated options. Bluetooth-enabled phones can be connected allowing you to make hands-free calls while driving. You can even select and run mobile apps on some smartphones using just your voice. USB drives and MP3 players can be connected to the system, giving you access to music, podcasts and audio books by using simple spoken commands.

The 2012 Ford F-150 Platinum is also supplied with a rear view camera to make backing up simpler and safer by eliminating the blind spots caused by high backed vehicles. The camera’s images are displayed in the rear view mirror. If the optional Navigation System is installed, the camera’s images can be displayed in the navigation screen.

The 2012 Ford F-150 Platinum has an advanced climate control system to cope with any kind of weather. It is fitted with power locks and also has remote keyless entry. The steering wheel is fully adjustable and the mirrors and windows are all electrically operated. For longer journeys the standard cruise control and fully automatic six-speed transmission help to take a lot of the driver workload. For added convenience, audio controls are built into the steering wheel. The front bucket seats are 10-way power adjustable and have individual built-in heating and cooling. A wealth of information on the vehicle’s performance is provided by the built-in, easy-read LCD screen, which is provided in addition to the standard gauges.

For more information, please drop me a line or comment or click here.

 

Popularity: 2% [?]

2012 Ford F-150 FX2 – Power with Safety, Economy and Dependability

When you are in the market for a pickup truck, if you are looking for a workhorse that is going to earn its keep, then Ford’s F-150 FX2 is an ideal choice. The days when a pickup was used only as a work vehicle are long gone, and the modern pickup is designed to double up as a useful leisure time vehicle as well, delivering performance levels, appearance, and dependability on a par with standard cars while also providing value for money in terms of fuel economy.

 

 

2012 Ford F-150 FX2 Safety Features

The 2012 Ford f-150 FX2 demonstrates Ford’s commitment to safety right from the basic structure of the pickup all the way through to the most modern technology designed to deliver maximum protection inside the truck.

The frame of the F-150 FX2 truck is built around a safety cage fabricated from steel that is made using an advanced process called hydroforming, a manufacturing method that delivers a very high-strength product. The cage incorporates reinforced crossbeams as well as extra tubes of hydroformed steel at the front that are specifically built to absorb impact.

The F-150 FX2 is supplied with Ford’s proprietary AdvanceTrac® Roll Stability Control (RSC) system providing additional on-road safety. The system continually monitors driver action and road conditions and will automatically intervene when it senses loss of control likely to lead to horizontal roll. It will determine the adjustments required to maintain horizontal stability and can alter throttle and apply individual braking to all four wheels.

As the F-150 FX2 is designed to pull trailers up to nearly five tons in weight, Ford offers  a Trailer Sway Control safety system that is also completely automatic. Thus safety system instantly detects the start of any instability in the trailer’s movement and brings the trailer under control before the problem has a chance to develop.

2012 Ford F-150 FX2 Delivers Power and Fuel Economy

The F-150 has won several best in class awards for, amongst other things, pulling power and payload, yet the sheer power of the truck has not led to a compromise in the stylish appearance of this pickup. The truck also delivers very impressive fuel economy with an average of 20 mpg.

The electrically controlled automatic transmission has been built with the very latest shift technology and with six speed selections. This highly advanced system operates on a par with a manual transmission, seamlessly changing gears to always provide the most efficient performance and economy. Fuel economy is further enhanced by the electrical power steering system and the use of lightweight aluminum in engine construction.

2012 Ford F-150 FX2 Is As Dependable As They Come

Dependability has been an ever-improving feature of modern vehicles and the F-150 FX2 is built to the highest standards and should give a lifetime of trouble-free operation. Just in case things do go wrong, the truck is delivered with a three-year or 36,000 miles bumper to bumper warranty, five years or 60,000 miles on the Powertrain and an unlimited mileage corrosion warranty also for five years. Additionally, there is five years or 60,000 miles inclusion in Ford’s Roadside Assistance Program.

For more information or a great price on a 2012 Ford F-150 FX2, please click here.

Popularity: 2% [?]

2012 Ford Taurus is “Fun to Drive” and Hits the Bull’s-eye

The Ford Taurus, Ford’s iconic full-size sedan, was first introduced in 1986 and quickly became one of the best selling sedans of all time.  The 2012 Ford Taurus is a well rounded sedan with something for everyone.

2012 Ford Taurus Combines Performance and Safety

The Taurus is truly a driver’s car, in line with Ford’s aim to present a “fun-to-drive” image, particularly the high-performance Taurus SHO model with the 365 hp twin turbocharged EcoBoost 3.5L V6 engine and all-wheel-drive. But, don’t think you will be disappointed by the other, less expensive set ups. These deliver many of the same driving dynamics, along with the safety features and high-technology options that Taurus and Ford have become known for.

The Taurus SE comes with a normally aspirated 263 hp 3.5L V6, which is reason enough for a prospective Ford buyer to shift his sights from the smaller Fusion. A Taurus buyer will save money by choosing the $25,555 SE over the $38,155 SHO, but won’t save a lot in fuel costs, as the direct-injection EcoBoost engine on the SHO gets pretty close to the standard 3.5 Duratec’s mpg (17/25 for the turbo vs. 18/28).

Slotting in between these 2 extremes are the SEL for $27,755, providing more features than the SE, like dual-zone air-conditioning and leather trim and then there’s the Limited for $32,155 which provides a more complete luxury package than the SEL without the performance and handling upgrade of the SHO.

2012 Ford Taurus Advanced Technology Features

As with every model in the current Ford lineup, there is a lot of useful technology built into the 2012 Ford Taurus.

MyKey, a personalized electronic key system, is standard right across the 2012 Ford Taurus range.

SYNC – Ford’s class leading technology developed in partnership with Microsoft – links your handheld electronic devices, such as smart phones and USB devices, with your vehicle through voice commands and much more.

The message center with trip computer and compass is standard on all but the SE base model. Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning is a great feature which is sadly only available as an option on the Limited and SHO models. This system not only maintains vehicle speed at a preset limit on the highway, but also slows down when vehicles ahead slow, then accelerates when the traffic flow speeds up again.

Likewise, the Sirius Navigation System is optional only on the top 2 models. As basic GPS systems are a dime a dozen these days, however, most buyers in need of electronic map guidance will just head to Wal-Mart for a cheap and cheerful Chinese dash-mounted device. Still, it seems a pity that a major manufacturer like Ford can’t provide such a popular and useful item as standard. For more information on the Ford technology, click here.

2012 Ford Taurus Hits the Bull’s-eye

The 2012 Taurus is all about providing what the market wants, and Ford knows that there is a market for high-spec, high-performance vehicles as well as for entry-level base models which allow buyers to purchase a bigger, more powerful car without blowing the budget.

This is a full-size Ford for every market segment, and if sales in the last 2 years are anything to go by, the 2012 Ford Taurus will be a runaway success.

If you just can’t wait to own one, click here.

 

Popularity: 1% [?]

Four Neat Features for the 2012 Ford Edge

Four Neat Features for the 2012 Ford Edge

The 2012 Ford Edge is a mid-size crossover SUV considered one of the top vehicles in its class because of its well-rounded nature.  It is characterized by its stylish exterior, wide range of features, quiet and roomy cabin, comfortable ride, and its composed handling. The size of the Edge is just right for most families and contributes to its popularity as one of the most sought-after crossovers in the country.

Digging deeper into the benefits of the 2012 Ford Edge, it is clear that this vehicle is designed with convenience as the top consideration because of its wide range of features which include:

In the 2012 Ford Edge It’s -”Look Ma No Hands” –  Ford SYNC with MyFord Touch

The 2012 Ford Edge is one of the first Ford vehicles to be equipped with the MyFord Touch and the SYNC in-vehicle voice-activated phone integration, entertainment, and navigation system.

With the Ford SYNC and MyFord Touch, drivers no longer need to fiddle through their bags to get their phone in order to make or answer calls, or find their mp3 players and gadgets in order to play them in the vehicle. MyFord Touch connects to all major gadgets such as mobile phones, mp3 players, USB drives and even SD cards to allow users to control them through the steering wheel buttons, the LCD touch screen, or even through voice commands.

With the Ford SYNC and MyFord Touch, users can easily make or answer calls, access multimedia files, ask for directions, organize driver console items, and even use their phones as a mobile router to enable wireless internet connectivity within the vehicle. Users can also install their own “apps” to add to their vehicle experience.

Ford SYNC with MyFord Touch are two outstanding systems that are perfect for car owners who want maximum convenience and enjoyment of their vehicle, maximum safety and seamless integration of the communication, entertainment, and navigation features which can be accessed or controlled without letting go of the steering wheel.

Fall in Love with the 2012 Ford Edge Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning

The Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning system is an automated cruise control system that controls the speed of the 2012 Ford Edge while cruising in traffic. The driver can select 4 preset distance settings which are used to control the speed of the Edge when it gets too close to the vehicle in front of it or too far. It maintains a distance between the Edge and the vehicle in front based on the settings chosen by the driver.

Collision warning automatically alerts the driver of possible imminent collisions by displaying warning alerts on the windshield as well as audio warning alerts. The brake sensitivity is automatically adjusted based on how imminent a collision is.

The Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning system can come in handy, especially when driving for long periods or after long stressful periods at work when the driver may become tired while behind the wheel driving home. It is not only a convenient driving feature; it also helps in avoiding accidents on the road.

2-liter EcoBoost Engine in the 2012 Ford Edge Delivers the Boost When You Need It

The advanced 2.0-liter twin independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) V6 EcoBoost engine provides a whopping EPA rating of 21 city miles per gallon and 30 highway miles per gallon. It delivers the power and performance necessary to run a crossover but with the fuel economy of a smaller vehicle. The 2.0-liter V6 EcoBoost engine can help Edge owners save hundreds or even thousands of dollars of fuel expenditures every year without having to give up power and performance.

With the 2012 Ford Edge You will Have Plenty of Room for Life’s Big & Little Errands

On top of everything else, the Edge has a whopping 68.9 cubic feet of cargo space– plenty of space to give larger SUVs a run for their money.

Overall, the 2012 Ford Edge is an outstanding value and worthy of consideration if you are shopping for a new vehicle.

For more information, click here.

 

 

 

Popularity: 2% [?]

The 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor – A Beast of a Pickup Truck

F-150 SVT Raptor Gets Better in 2012

With a high performance engine and an overall design for off-road use, the 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is perhaps best described figuratively as the Ford F-150’s twin brother on steroids. Since its launch in 2009, the Raptor has enjoyed significant acclaim and fanfare. The 2012 model has many significant upgrades especially with regard to its performance giving justice to Ford’s aim of introducing high-performance features on a standard production truck.

The newest in the Baja proven Raptor series, the 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor has once again shown that Ford wants to continually raise the bar by adding a ton of new features to the truck further strengthening its image as the world’s premier standard production off-road high performance pickup truck.

The 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor sports a 6.2 Liter VCT 2-valve V-8 engine that produces a whopping 411 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and 434 lb-ft. of torque at 4,500 RPM. The Raptor also features an advanced suspension, and other options to make yours ready for to go off road right from the start.

There are four main features that have been added to the 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor:

Torsen Front Axle

The Torsen front differential allows stronger grip on the front portion of the truck making it easier for the truck to pull itself off obstacles and steep terrain conditions, even when the traction is divided to both front tires at slow speeds.

The inclusion of a helical gear set allows torque to be freed from the wheel that is losing traction and sent to the wheel with traction. The new Torsen Front Axle system of the 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is set with a torque bias ratio of 4.1 to 1 that can multiply torque from one wheel to the other. The preload is set to zero so that it can help in eliminating feedback while steering. Before being finalized for production, this system proved itself during Ford’s 1,000 mile torture durability test.

Electronic Locking Rear Axle

This system gives the 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor a better performance for off-road driving in 2H, 4H, and 4L modes. This allows the vehicle maintain its momentum with the best traction possible. This system is controlled with a switch and gives the driver full control of the differential locking system allowing the truck to continue at its pace without slowing while the system is engaged. The system also locks the left and right axle shafts with each other letting them turn with the same RPM and increasing the wheel’s traction. This feature can be locked even during forward or reverse driving to ensure constant speed during extreme off-road situations.|

Hill Descent Control

The 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is the first to be fitted with Ford’s Hill Descent Control technology allowing the driver to control how fast he descends down the hill without even using the breaks or having to shift gears.  The driver can simply push a button to engage this system allowing him to concentrate on steering the vehicle.

Off-Road Front Camera System

The 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor also features a new camera system that allows drivers to see what is in front of the vehicle through a camera on the front grille. The video capture can be activated through the 4.2 inch LCD screen and can also be monitored via the 8 inch navigation display. The system even has a dedicated washer, as it’s bound to get dirty. Not only does this system allow the driver to see if there is anyone or anything directly in front of him, it also helps him see where his wheels are pointing.

For more information, please click here.

 

Popularity: 3% [?]

2012 Ford F-150 King Ranch – Utility Plus Luxury Deluxe

• The 2012 Ford F-150 King Ranch – Car Buying Tips – Brad Your Car Guy

Are you a  discriminating truck prospect who wants Luxury and Utility? Then go check out the 2012 Ford F150 King Ranch.  Th 2012 King Ran is full-size pickup truck that will get you plenty of oomph for your valuable bucks. In addition you will not have to  compromise on a pleasant driving experience. The 2012 Ford -150 King Ranch is a luxury pick up at its finest.   The engineering and design people at Ford have come up with another market-leading product that is both practical and pleasurable to drive.

How To Shop for and Locate a Well Equipped King Ranch

The 2012 Ford F-150 King Ranch is as distinctive as its iconic namesake – and comes with exclusive branding and leather details fitting for any cowboy, urban of otherwise.  If you’re looking for a truck with luxurious amenities that can still get the job done, you need not look further.

Like all F-150s this truck can carry a bigger load than any other competitor in its class and it can also tow heavier trailers than any other pickup in this class, with a maximum towing capacity of an incredible 8,300 lbs.

Inside the  2012 Ford F-150 King Ranch

The 2012 Ford F-150 King Ranch is fitted with a 4.2” easy read LCD Productivity screen. The screen provides valuable fuel economy, towing and off-road data and is accessed using controls on the steering wheel. To keep you comfortable in all conditions, the cab is air-conditioned and the front seats, which are 10-way electrically adjustable, are heated and cooled.

The Latest Technology in the 2012 Ford F-150 King Ranch

The truck is supplied with a standard fully automatic transmission with overdrive that is designed for maximum power, load and fuel efficiency, being electrically controlled and with 6 speed selections. It also comes with standard electrically powered steering assist and adjustable tilt steering column.

Using only the latest technology, the automatic transmission and power steering systems contribute to reduction in fuel usage and carbon emissions.

The transmission has a selectable tow/haul mode designed to improve fuel efficiency when towing in hilly conditions. When this mode is selected, it reduces gear hunting, compensates for loads and gradient, and provides engine braking on descents.

The 2012 Ford F-150 King Ranch with Trailer Sway Control

Fitted with Ford’s AdvanceTrac® Roll Stability Control (RSC) system combined with a Trailer Sway Control, the truck has sensing technology that makes towing trailers a breeze even at speed in the worst conditions. This system works to keep the truck driving the trailer and not the other way round.

It is completely automatic and makes adjustments to bring a trailer that’s developing a sway under control long before loss of control can become a safety issue.

The 2012 Ford F-150 King Ranch is fitted with Ford’s Trailer Brake Controller system as standard. This synchronizes the truck’s braking with the trailer’s. All of which means even those drivers with no towing experience should have no trouble using the King Ranch.

The entry level 2012 Ford F-150 King Ranch pickup’s engine is a front-mounted 3.7 liter Duratec V6, 24 valve model with Twin Independent – Variable Cam Timing, giving 302 horsepower at 6500 rpm and torque of 278 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm.

Lighter Weight Alloy for the Engine Block

The engine block and cylinders are made of lighter weight alloy and the fuel system can run on a mixture of gas and up to 80% ethanol or on pure gas with slightly better mpg. There are also 5 liter and 6.2 liter versions available as well as Ford’s Ecoboost engine with direct injection system and twin turbo charging for maximizing fuel efficiency without sacrificing power.

The truck is built around an advanced hydroformed, high-strength steel safety cage with further hydroformed tubes at the front designed specifically to absorb impacts. There are six airbags in place to withstand front and side impacts. This pickup is yet another great example of why Ford wins so many awards for their trucks and why F-Series has been the best selling truck in America for 35-straight years.

Popularity: 4% [?]

2012 Ford Flex – Car Buying Tips – Brad Your Car Guy

Introducing the 2012 Ford Flex Model Line-up – and Some Smart Features of Each

The 2012 Ford Flex is the perfect example of a full-size crossover featuring an exterior design with sleek modern contours and lines but with a largely classical touch to it. While the outside of the 4-door vehicle makes it an eye-turner because of its unique form, it is the features and options available for each trim that make it one of the best in its category.

The 2012 Ford Flex SE

The 2012 Ford Flex SE is the basic trim of this Ford model and as such, is priced affordably. Features include a manual front air conditioning system, six-speed automatic OD transmission, separate controls for the rear air conditioning, front fog and driving lights, a Keyfob remote keyless entry system for all doors, 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, driveline traction control with ABS, and a 3.5-Liter 262-Horsepower V6 Engine. The SE trim has a forward wheel drive configuration and has an EPA rating of 17/24 miles per gallon.

The 2012 Ford Flex SEL

The 2012 Ford Flex SEL trim is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configuration. The SEL trim has an EPA rating of 17/23 miles per gallon for the front-wheel drive version and 16/23 for the all-wheel drive.

Features of the 2012 Ford Flex SEL trim include basic features of the SE trim such as six-speed automatic OD transmission, driveline traction system with ABS, separate controls for the rear air conditioning, front driving lights and fog lights, the Keyfob remote keyless entry system for all doors, as well as a 3.5-Liter 262-Horsepower V6 engine. In addition, the SEL trim also has advanced features such as dual-zone automatic front air conditioning system, adjustable powered pedals, express open and close sliding and tilting glass for the 1st row sunroof, sunshade for the fixed glass 2nd row sunroof, Invision entertainment system, heated front seats for the driver and front passenger, and 18-inch machined aluminum wheels.

The 2012 Ford Flex Limited

The 2012 Ford Flex Limited trim is a more feature-packed version of the 2012 Ford Flex. Like the SEL trim, the Limited trim is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configuration. The Limited trim has an EPA rating of 17/24 miles per gallon and 16/23 miles per gallon for the four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configuration respectively.

Features of the 2012 Ford Flex Limited include regular express open and close sliding and tilting 1st row glass sunroof,  sunshade for the both the 2nd row and 3rd row fixed glass sunroofs, dual zone automatic front air conditioning system, six-speed automatic OD transmission, power adjustable pedals, driveline traction control with ABS, a DVD entertainment system, a voice-activated navigation system, heated seats for the driver and front passenger seats, separate controls for the rear air conditioning, front fog lights and driving lights, Keyfob remote keyless entry system for all doors, 19-inch polished aluminum wheels, and a 3.5-Liter 262-Horsepower V6 Engine.

There is also a 2012 Ford Flex Limited all-wheel drive EcoBoost version with a 3.5-Liter 355-Horsepower V6 engine and an EPA rating of 16/22 miles per gallon.

The 2012 Ford Flex Titanium

The 2012 Ford Flex Titanium trim is the Flex trim with the most number of features making it the most expensive. Like the SEL and Limited trim, the Titanium trim is available in front-wheel drive configuration with an EPA rating of 17/24 miles per gallon and an all-wheel drive configuration with an EPA rating of 16/23 miles per gallon.

The 2012 Ford Flex Titanium trim has all the features of the Limited trim except the Titanium sports 20-inch polished aluminum wheels and a rear electronic parking aid with camera and ultrasonic sensors. The chrome finishing and some details in the exterior parts are also slightly different for each other. Like the Limited trim, there is an EcoBoost version of the Titanium available sporting the same 3.5-Liter 355-Horsepower V6 engine with a rating of 16/22 miles per gallon.

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